Nigerian-born tech entrepreneur Tade Oyerinde has made headlines with his innovative community college startup, Campus, securing $46 million in Series B funding.
This investment, announced on March 20, 2025, was led by General Catalyst and brings Campus’s total funding to over $100 million. The funding is a testament to the growing interest in disrupting traditional higher education models, particularly in the United States.
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Campus launches affordable online higher education
Campus, founded by Oyerinde in 2022, aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable by offering online associate degrees and certifications in fields such as business administration, medical assisting, and applied artificial intelligence. The institution’s tuition is set at $7,200 per year, which is fully covered by Pell Grants for eligible students, making it a more affordable option compared to traditional colleges.
Ken Chenault, Chairman of General Catalyst, praised Campus for its innovative approach, saying,”Campus has created a model that is rooted in the rigor and legacy of American higher education with the benefit of technology and innovation that students will require to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy”.
Campus employs over 100 educators, many of whom also teach at prestigious institutions like Princeton, Stanford, and Howard University. This model not only benefits students but also provides additional income opportunities for professors.
Oyerinde’s vision is clear, stating , “It’s really simple. In America, we should have elite education for everyone—everyone should be able to learn from the top professors in the country, develop useful skills, and then go on to use those skills to create a great life for themselves.”
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Innovative educational model and impact
The Campus model is inspired by research that has shown to double two-year college graduation rates. It delivers live, online instruction from respected professors and offers wraparound support, including on-demand tutoring and personal success coaching. This approach is particularly appealing to a generation frustrated by the cost and pace of traditional higher education.
Campus has attracted support from influential investors such as Sam Altman, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, and Jason Citron, reflecting its potential to address the financial strain of higher education in the U.S.. With student loan debt nearing $1.8 trillion, Campus offers a welcome alternative by providing affordable education without the burden of debt.
Graduates of Campus have successfully transferred to four-year universities like New York University and Penn State, or entered the workforce directly after completing their programs. This success underscores Campus’s mission to provide high-quality, career-focused education that prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce or further education.